Drop on by 36 Alleys for evening entertainment! Mention the Big Kansas Road Trip and receive Buy One Get One Shoe Rentals and Games! Snack bar and domestic beer bottles. Thursday-Saturday 3-10pm, Sunday 7-10pm.
Tour this privately owned residence listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The home was built in 1912 for wealthy merchant A.L. Wynkoop. The style is based on the popular Prairie School and Craftsman architecture from that era. Learn more about the history of the home and its inhabitants over the last 108 years from current owners, Michael & Marie Lamb who spent over 10 years restoring the A.L. Wynkoop home to its original glory. During the Historical House Tour, visitors will be able to purchase items from "The Quilted Heart" - a locally owned small business showcasing handmade Fabric Cosmetic Bags, Quilts and Gifts. Kansas specific designs will be available. Discounts applied on all items during the A.L. Wynkoop Historical Tour. Friday and Saturday tours: 11am-12pm and 2-3pm; Sunday 1-2pm
In 1859 Abraham Lincoln was in Doniphan County, Kansas Territory where he gave three talks. Each day, Lincoln guide Larry Faulkner will be at these locations to answer questions: 10am - site of the Great Western Hotel in Elwood, (NE corner of N. 12th St. and Pacific St.); 12pm - site of McClellend's Tavern in Blair (NW corner of 190th Rd. and Port William Rd.); 2pm - Nelson-Rogers Home in Troy (NW corner of E. Walnut St. and N. Liberty St.); 4pm - The Doniphan House in Doniphan (NW corner of Mineral Point Rd. and Monument Rd.).
Abram M. Minier, a grandson of John Bayless, a founder of Highland, commissioned the construction of this Craftsman bungalow in 1916. It was built from a house plan by Gustav Stickley first published in the November 1909 issue of "The Craftsman" and later published as Cottage No. 78 in Stickley's 1912 catalogue "More Craftsman Homes." The home contains all the signature Stickley designs including wood shingle siding, exposed rafter tails, a full-width front porch, heavy structural beams, built-in bookcases and seating, and Mission-style hardware. Stop by the house Friday-Saturday from 9-11am or 2-4pm to tour and learn more from the owners, Paul and Janet Tyler, about the historical significance. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
This brick-over-stone cellar was begun around 1875 by Adam Brenner as a wine production facility for a broad variety of wines and brandies produced from grapes grown on his near 200 acre vineyard. Part of the Brenner VIneyards HIstoric District, it is one of two cellars under restoration. Tour the cellar and learn the fascinating history on Thursday or Friday 10am-2pm. Directions: From Mineral Point in Doniphan, 400-feet west on 95th to Lone Star. Park here and walk 1/4 mile north.
Motorcycles cruise in and show off your ride! Join us at this come and go event on Saturday. Enjoy a cool one in the beer garden, order a ribeye sandwich made by the Sons of the American Legion and enter a raffle for prizes.
Stan G Keim, local trucking company owner, invites the public to view his truck collection and transportation memorabilia display. Inside, find lobby displays of transportation theme artifacts and at the Long Haul Truck Wash lot you'll see a 2016 KW ICON, 25th Silver Anniversary Edition, a #1 build in the series, a 1952 KW Bullnose KCC-523C, 1973 KW K-123, a 1958 International RD-405, a 1965 White 4464TDL and 1968 Antique International fire truck. Lobby hours Monday-Friday, 7am-5pm and Saturday 7am-12pm.
ARC Wild invites you to a special meet and greet with their animal ambassadors and educators.* You'll learn why Skunks Don’t Stink. You’ll meet some of the Kansas animals that people love to meet and why we need them to survive. Grab a picnic lunch and a blanket and join this fun event! Admission is free but donations are appreciated. *Additional activities depending on weather and volunteer availability. ARC Wild provides wildlife education to youth in northeast Kansas through up close and personal experience. (ARC stands for Animal Rescue and Conservation). Our mission is to reconnect rural Kansas youth with nature. The ARC is made up of 100% volunteers and is a 501(c)3 organization. Visit their website at Read More below.
ARC Wild invites you to Rocky Springs Family Farm where you'll see Carol Nickelson's spring lambs, and learn how the early settlers in Kansas kept warm using alpaca and sheep wool. Visitors will also meet some of the ARC's wildlife animal ambassadors and learn how they adapt to Kansas' ever changing climate. Then try your hand at geocaching. They will teach you how to participate in this world wide adventure! Find their secret hiding spot to win prizes. "Who-hoo" the owl is ready to get ARC Wild! ARC Wild provides wildlife education to youth in northeast Kansas through up close and personal experience. (ARC stands for Animal Rescue and Conservation). The ARC is made up of 100% volunteers and is a 501(c)3 organization. Visit http://www.arcwild.org to learn more. (Note: The farm has a Sabetha address but is located in Brown County. It is located about 3 miles east of Sabetha on 270th St.)
The George Hanson Barn located in rural Doniphan County will be open for the public to view on Saturday. This barn is one of the Doniphan County Byre & Bluff barns on the National Historic Register. While you are there visit their kids' lemonade stand and say hi to the horses! From Troy on Hwy 36 go 13 miles west, 5 1/4 miles south on Ash Point Rd.
If you get into town early on Thursday afternoon, put on a ball cap and join the locals to cheer on the team at a Sabetha High School Baseball double header against Rossville. Concession stand will be open. Games start at 4:30pm.
Take a tour of the Birdcage Theater. Since the 1960's, Robinson residents have produced a melodrama in this former theater now owned by the community. Photo opportunities to have one taken with villain attire for fun!
See displays and demonstrations of blacksmithing and muzzle loading at the Blacksmith Shop and encampment located nearby on the grounds of the Brown County Ag Museum.
Join the locals who come down to the Centralia Library each morning to visit, drink coffee and enjoy some snacks. This is your chance to really get to know fellow Kansans in a local setting and learn more about what we have in common.
The Cornerstone Coffee Haus has been closed for awhile but is now but now a pop-up event center. There will be a special "pop up event" just in time for the BKRT. Located in a historic bank building in the heart of downtown, it's an iconic place beloved by the locals. Inside you'll find a double horseshoe counter and soda fountain from the old Harsh Drug Store. Owner, Cathy Holthaus, will have coffee tastings on Saturday at 10am and 1pm, serve coffee, limeades, ice cream bars and have Seneca 'swag' for sale. Stop in for a quick visit and see the interior of this gorgeous building listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Come Cruise 'The Route' In Seneca. Dragging Main in Seneca has been a tradition since the 1950s. No fee to cruise. The Seneca Twin Theater, 301 Main St, will sell popcorn to go and limeades will be available to purchase at the Cornerstone Coffee Haus at 431 Main St.
Stop in and chat with congregation members about local history and the Denton United Methodist Church that dates back to 1869. Bathrooms and water available. You're welcome to attend the 9am Sunday service, too!
Celebrate Cinco de Mayo and the Kentucky Derby in a new way at the Spring Creek Golf Course. Start out with "The Horse Race", a golf 'game' which is essentially a shootout. A group will start on a hole and the person who has the worst score gets eliminated until there is only one person left standing. At 6pm dig into a Taco Bar for only $10 a person followed by live music at 8pm. Sip on a mint julep or margarita and celebrate with the locals!
Find out why there are narrow gauge railway cars sitting alongside Highway 7. Saturday, 10am-5pm, Sunday 10am-2pm. Photo courtesy Jason Midyette.
Double G & L Farms, LLC is a family farm with a calving-to-finish beef cattle operation. Other animals you'll see are sheep, goats, pigs, milk cows, miniature horses, chickens, ducks, bunnies, dogs, cats, a miniature donkey, and a llama! Their education, hands-on tour might involve bottle feeding lambs, kids, and calves. There will be farm fresh sweet rolls, pies, desserts, and more for sale too! Farm tours last about an hour and begin at 9:30 am and 1:30 pm. Restrooms available.
Ernie Dittemore, 1915-1995, was a smart, friendly fellow who loved aviation. After his house burned down, he made the unconventional choice to live for many years in a hole he dug in the ground on his farm near Troy. His friends and neighbors accepted Ernie just as he was and treated him as a valued member of the community. Attend a free, 30 minute program about this colorful fellow who is something of a Doniphan County legend. Cindy Hoverson, local historian and storyteller, will present the program. Ernie's favorite snacks will be available. Post cards of Ernie Dittemore will be offered for sale at the library with all profits going toward a local scholarship. Ernie Dittemore Program: Saturday, May 8 from 10-10:30 a.m. at the Troy Library. Ernie Dittemore Exhibit at the Troy Library: Thursday, 9am-7pm; Friday, 9am-5pm and Saturday, 9am-3pm.
Be very quiet, you’re hunting gnomies! Come by the Seneca Free Library, and pick up your gnome hunting map! Gnomes are hidden throughout Seneca's businesses and attractions. Find the gnome at each location and receive a stamp or signature! Visit the specified number of locations and bring your map back to the library (or put it through the drop box) to be entered to win several great prizes! Need not be present to win, we will mail it to you! Click on the link below to download and print map. Thursday 10am-8pm, Friday 10am-5pm, Saturday 10am-2pm
Hiawatha High School students are excited to perform for the public, a school edition of the hit musical, "Grease" on the grounds at the Brown County Courthouse. The musical is "specially designed for young actors or audiences! Shorter and more suitable in content for teens and preteens, this abridged version retains the fun-loving spirit and immortal songs that make Grease a favorite among rock 'n' roll fans of all ages." Bring a lawn chair and pick up dinner at a local eatery to enjoy while you watch the program. For a special treat, Kountry Kids Kettle Korn will be selling their delicious kettle corn.
The two arboretums located at Grimm's Gardens are available to tour by appointment. Call Doug Grimm to set up a personal guided tour or if you prefer, you can just take a pleasant walk along the walking path. If you are a Geocache fan, then a trip to the arboretum is a must. Tours are 30 minutes to one hour. Call Doug at 785.459.2586 or email Doug@grimmsgardens.com. The tour is free.
Visit the second largest hand-dug well in the state in Seneca's city park. Dug in 1895, the well is 34-feet wide and 65-feet deep. It's a visible reminder of the town's original water system. Twenty-minute tours will be given. Please check in at the Historic Jail & Sheriff's Residence (113 N. 6th) for Thursday-Friday tours. On Saturday you may begin directly at the Hand-Dug Well. Tours 10am-4pm all three days.
View Hewins Sawmill and ask family historian, Marty Hewins, and his son Michael, about this fascinating business that harvests logs from northeastern Kansas and shipped worldwide. It's located in the Historical Apple Barn (from the era of the Wathena Apple Growers Association). Tours last 30 minutes and are held from 10am-12pm and 1-3pm.
Hiawatha, CIty of Beautiful Maples. Doug Grimm of Grimm's Gardens had an aspiration to find the best trees in Hiawatha and introduce a reliable, strong colorful fall tree. After polling the community during fall and watching a few trees properties for a few years, Doug propagated and introduced the 'Oregon Trail' Hiawatha Maple. This event is hosted under the mother tree of Doug's Introduction. He will recount the steps to the trees introduction and also talk on another of his passions - Champion trees in Kansas.
This church has the earliest formed Presbyterian congregation in the state, dating to 1843. The founders of the church also founded the Indian Mission, the town of Highland and Highland College. After the 1888 church burned down, the new church, constructed around 1914, was designed with a flat roof and without a steeple which was highly unusual for that time period and location in a rural community. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Self-guided tours are available Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Along with beautiful stained glass windows, see the "history wall" and a letter signed by President Franklin Roosevelt. The public is invited to attend church at 8am on Sunday, May 9.
See the 1922 Stutz fire engine, restored to pristine condition. Other early-1900s fire department artifacts are also displayed. Open Saturday, 10am - 4pm. Other times by appointment by calling 785.336.1313. Tours last about 30 minutes.
Stop by the Troy Library to pick up a map of homes and buildings highlighted on this tour, along with brief descriptions of each one. The tour is a self-guided, driving or walking tour where visitors can view the homes from the outside, but will not enter any homes. The Seekers of Light and Knowledge (SLK), a women's literary and service organization, is sponsoring the tour and will have homemade treats for sale at the library and also selling a selection of post cards with photos of local subjects of interest including Ernie Dittemore, county courthouse, Tall Oak Indian monument, Pony Express monument, and more. All proceeds from the sale go toward a scholarship the SLK sponsors for local students. Maps are available at the library on Thursday 9am-7pm; Friday 9am-5pm; Saturday, 9am-3pm.
A tour of this fascinating municipal power plant will be a highlight of your explorer adventure. Find out the connection this plant has to NASA! Find out the answer when you take the 30 minute tour with Tim Lentz at 10am or 2pm on Thursday or Friday.
Brown County Historical Society is hosting lunch for only $7.00. Find the cook shack on the grounds at the Brown County Ag Museum. Learn more about Jack’s Cook Shack while you’re there. Buffalo burgers, chips and a drink are the menu.
If you love barns, join other barn enthusiasts on Friday in Troy at the Doniphan County Courthouse at 1:30. Meet in the courtroom to learn about a barn repair training workshop that took place at the Bohr-Staudenmaier Barn near Troy. Tom Kennedy, The Barn Reclaimer, will be on hand to answer questions. Afterwards, folks will car pool to the Bohr-Staudenmaier Barn to see the progress on the 1879 Byre & Bluff barn at 1654 150th Road, Troy. (From W. Chestnut in Troy, go 4 1/4 miles south on Last Chance Rd, turn east on 150th for 2 1/4 miles.) Barn-themed treats and beverages will be served. Allow 2 hours for this event.
Come out to the Troy Fairgrounds enjoy country music by local performer, Lisa Scholz. Lisa is one of Doniphan County's favorite performers. Be sure and put some money in her tip jar which she'll share with the local 4-H Clubs.
Come enjoy the Main Street Music Garden - open during daylight hours. Some instruments include music so you can play a tune. In honor of the Big Kansas Road Trip we've added "Home on the Range" to the list of tunes!
Make a custom souvenir magnet with Luke Pollock, a well known leather craftsman and owner of Pollock's Products. The activity will take about 30 minutes to complete. Fee of $10.
Rest a spell at the Birdcage Theater to watch a short rendition of an annual melodrama skit as performed by the Robinson Lions Club.
Lean back and enjoy a concert featuring piano, violin and soprano of classical to original works by classically trained musicians. Original compositions, special arrangements, and favorites from classical composers, Broadway, popular artists, and more. Featuring local musicians Shane Spangler, Kenya Patzer and Sarah Kleopfer.
Come tour Nemaha County's Recycling Center! Drop in tours available. Thursday-Friday 8:30am-4pm, Saturday 8:30am-12pm.
Are you an owner of a Dodge Challenger or a Dodge Charger? You are invited to bring your car to display for the public to admire.
The Gateway Chapter Oregon California Trail Association will give tours of overland trails in the county. Starting point is the top of the hour Thurs.-Sun. from 10am-3pm from E. Walnut and N. Liberty in Troy. Some transportation will be provided, along with a guide.
Do you "flip" over pancakes? Head over to the community center for a pancake feed sponsored by the Robinson Community Building Association.
The Peterson Farm Brothers grew up and work on a family farm near Assaria, Kansas. Their passion for the agriculture industry inspired them to create social media content and public speaking platforms to entertain and educate while sharing a message about agriculture and their faith. They gained fame for their entertaining parody music videos and short humorous videos about farming. This is a free event, hosted by the Sabetha Chamber and generous local sponsors.
Join the locals for a picnic in Corning's City Park! Also in the park is the Corning Museum located in the former high school, a WPA building. Picnic at noon! Donation.
Get to know the city of Highland by visiting with the locals and enjoying the Pie on the Porch event! There will be fruit, cream, seasonal and local favorites available to enjoy on a shaded porch of a cute Highland home. There's lots of room and pie so stop by on your way to other events or relax and stay awhile. Lanna French is your host. There will also be brownies and cookies for children. Friday-Saturday 10am-12pm and 1-4pm each day or while the pie lasts!
From 1906 until the 1960s, the second floor of this historic bank and city hall served as a community auditorium with people streaming through the doors to be entertained by minstrel shows, plays, melodramas, dances and musicals. For nearly 60 years entertainers left their signatures that now cover the backstage walls from floor to ceiling. In the 1920s one traveling minstrel enjoyed his stay in Powhattan so much that he wrote "Best Town in Kansas" and it's been their motto ever since. Volunteers will take you on a tour lasting approximately 15-20 minutes. Following, or before your tour, sit and listen a spell to "Stories of the Past" performed by community members across the street in the park. You'll find cinnamon rolls, homemade pie, hot dogs and drinks for sale at the American Legion Hall (east side of building) from 8am-3pm on Saturday.
Put the feedbag on and get fueled up for the final day of exploring. If you're a member of the Kansas Explorers Club, this would be a good place for breakfast before attending the annual Kansas Explorers Club meeting just down the street at the city park at 10am. Freewill offering for all you can eat pancakes. Proceeds benefit the local fire department.
Stop by Thursday and Friday for Schlaegel's Popcorn (a great Kansas product) and a bottle of water at one of the Rainbow Offices during BKRT! Offices open 8:30am-12pm and 1-4pm; while supplies last. You'll find the other Brown County "Refreshment Station" location at 608 Main St., Hiawatha. The third is located in Seneca (Nemaha Co.) at 513 Main St.
Stop by Thursday and Friday for Schlaegel's Popcorn (a great Kansas product) and a bottle of water at one of the Rainbow Offices during BKRT! Offices open 8:30am-12pm and 1-4pm; while supplies last. You'll find the other Brown County "Refreshment Station" location at 628 Oregon St., Hiawatha. The third is located in Seneca (Nemaha Co.) at 513 Main St.
Stop by Thursday and Friday for Schlaegel's Popcorn (a great Kansas product) and a bottle of water at the Rainbow Offices during BKRT! Offices open 8:30am-12pm and 1-4pm; while supplies last. Other Refreshment Station locations are in Brown County at Everest, 608 Main and Hiawatha, 628 Oregon St.
Lambing season is just beginning on our small family farm and we'd like to invite you to pause for a few moments to enjoy watching the lambs with their moms on this Mother's Day weekend. With respect to our newborns and their mothers we are limiting our viewing times to reduce any stress they might experience with "company". On Thursday from 4-6pm, ARC Wildlife will be on hand with a few of their critters which might include a skunk, snakes, turtles, owl, opossum or rabbits. They'll also be teaching how to geocache. See the other ARC Wildlife listing on this website for more information. The outdoor viewing area is easily navigable for foot traffic. Please contact in advance if wheelchair or walker access would be needed. The farm is located about 3 miles east of Sabetha on 270th St. Thursday hours: 3-6pm; Friday, Saturday and Sunday hours: 11am-4pm.
At the Horton Senior Center, the “Sacks to Mats” group will demonstrate how they transform ordinary shopping bags into mats for the homeless. Enjoy coffee and cookies as you also peruse projects of The Knitting and Crochet Group. Thursday-Saturday 9am-4pm; Sunday 1-4pm.
Don't miss seeing a 130 year old sawmill in operation at the historic Albany Historical Museum. Several volunteers will be on hand to explain the process and answer questions. Starting from Main St. in Sabetha, go 2 1/4 miles north on 6th (becomes X4).
The marketing team at Community National Bank got excited about the BKRT bringing visitors to town so they decided to get involved in doing something fun. They have spent a lot of time creating a cool backdrop that celebrates Nemaha County and invite everyone to stop for a quick selfie. You'll also have a chance to win prizes. You'll make their day if you stop by! Friday 8am-5pm, Saturday 8am-12pm.
The Seneca United Methodist Church or the "church on Main Street" as it sometimes called, welcomes you to come learn their history! Tours last 30 minutes. The Church's front door is open 24/7. Sunday Worship Gathering 11am.
The Historic Walking Tour takes you back to Seneca's early days. Maps available at the Seneca Free Library. Go on your own or on a guided tour given at 2pm and last approximately 30 minutes. Gather at the library and the tour will take you up and down Seneca's Main Street and end at the Nemaha County Historical Society.
The most enjoyable and crazy Senior Citizens in the neighborhood invite you to stop by for information about the BKRT in the morning hours and buy some of their home baked goodies they're whipping up just for visitors. You'll find clean restrooms here, too. Thursday-Saturday 8am-5pm, Sunday 10am-3pm.
Come for a Sloppy Joe Lunch sponsored by the Robinson Community Building Association on either Thursday or Friday. Lunch includes chips and a drink. Held at the Robinson Community Building.
Enjoy Smore's and lemonade at the Centralia Lake Shelter House and watch the sun set over the beautiful Centralia Lake. The Centralia Community Church Youth Group are putting on this fun event for BKRT visitors. Don't forget to bring your chairs and blankets! From 2nd Street and K-9 in Centralia, go 2 miles south on G Road/Highway 187 and 1 mile west on 72nd Road.
Join us at Spanky's Bar & Grill for a Cornhole Tournament on Saturday beginning at 7pm! No entry fee, prizes. Come for supper and drink specials!
Join us for Karaoke at Spanky's Bar & Grill on Friday beginning at 9pm! Come in early for supper, serving food 5-9pm. Drink specials all night.
Part of the Brenner Vineyards Historic District (NRHP), this red-brick church was built in 1867 on land donated by Adam Brenner. Adam and Jacob Brenner came to the area in 1857 and 1860 and established prosperous vineyards and wineries. The historic district reflects the Brenners' agrarian farmsteads and remnants of the winery. Open for tours on Thursday and Friday 10am-2pm. From Mineral Point in Doniphan, 1/2 mile west and south on 95th Rd.
Powhattan community members are excited about visitors coming to their small hamlet, population 74. Volunteers have put together a short program of interesting stories about the history of this town. Take time to listen and learn either before or after your tour of the Powhattan Community Hall. The program will end when they run out of stories! Photo of Ralph E. and Wilma N. Barge of Powhattan, taken in 1929, courtesy kansasmemory.org.
Tours of Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church lasting about 30 minutes. Mass times: Thu 7am; Fri 8am (school mass), Sat 5pm, Sun 7am, 9am, 11am
Head to the Doniphan County Fairgrounds for a swap meet where you can buy, sell or swap treasures. You'll find all types of vendors inside and over at the 4-H barns you can observe livestock being bought and sold. Trina Earl will be on hand with a petting zoo and dog obedience display, too. If you have an unruly pet, this might be a good chance to ask her some questions! The concession stand will be serving Indian Tacos, Hot Dogs, Taco Salad and Caramel Apples. Please call 785.985.3623 for details.
For $5 you can pick up a "Take and Make" craft kit that consists of a 5" x 5" block, gnome stencil, paint, sponges, and instructions. A fun activity for all ages and will make a cool memento of your BKRT trip. The Market Greenhouse, a multi vendor shop, hosts crafting parties, offers custom stencils and furniture refurb and sales. Greenhouse open April-June.
Troy Booster Club will be giving tours of the Grade School (230 Poplar Street) and High School Gyms (319 South Park Street). Visitors will be able to view the vintage gyms with their hardwood floors and vintage scorekeeping equipment. The Booster Club will be selling homemade baked items at the high school during the tour. Support the Troy Trojans! Photo from "Hallowed Hardwood, Vintage Basketball Gyms of Kansas", courtesy of author, Brian D. Stucky.
Stop at the 1936 Legion Hall to see pictures of past veterans and articles about the restoration of the Civil War Monument at the nearby Bellemont Cemetery. You'll also enjoy a quilt exhibit by local quilters. Cookies, cinnamon rolls, coffee and water will be served. Photo courtesy Debbie Sigrist.
Don Werner makes and restores horse-drawn vehicles and is reputed to be one of the best in this field in the Midwest. Don is one of about six non-Amish craftsmen in the United States who works full time as a wainwright and wheelwright, and his wagons, buggies, carriages, and other conveyances are beautiful works of art. Tours lasting approximately 30 minutes are offered Thursday-Saturday 10am and 2pm. Shop open Thursday-Saturday 8am-5pm. (Located just east of Mission Lake.)
The 1872 two-story, Italianate building was designed by Kansas architect Erasmus T. Carr. Today it houses the Ma-Hush-Kah Museum. "Mah-Hush-Kah is a phonetic spelling of the name of Mahaska II, "White Cloud" (ca. 1810-1851), the chief of the Iowa Tribe for many years." Open for self-guided tours from 10am – 4pm, Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
Church open Thursday, Friday, and Saturday 8am-9pm; 4-H snack stand May 7-9, free will donation. Gospel piano music on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, 7pm. Sunday service at 10am.
